Meet McGrath Law Firm Legal Team Member, Senior Paralegal

April 11, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

Meet McGrath Law Firm Legal Team Member, Senior Paralegal, Marianna!

McGrath Legal Team Member and Senior Paralegal, Marianna is originally from a little hamlet on Long Island called Copiague, which is located next to the more popular Town of Amityville, from which the Amityville Horror book and movies were derived. She and her family moved to Bedford, New Hampshire in early 2004.

Marianna has known since high school that she wanted to make a career out of working in a law office environment, assisting attorneys. In fact, she believes she was destined to end up at McGrath Law Firm and jokes that as a child she learned to ride a horse on a horse named Esquire, and occasionally visited Pelham, New Hampshire where she visited her relatives on McGrath Road.

Early in her career, while going to college and waitressing part time, Marianna took a job as a file clerk to simply get her foot in a law firm. She worked her way up through the ranks by proving her abilities. Learning all aspects of law firm operations has proven to be an asset and essential to developing the skills she has acquired to date.

In her downtime, Marianna enjoys spending time with her family, visiting with friends and family back on Long Island and traveling.

Marianna’s experience in the legal industry.

Marianna has 20+ years of experience as a legal assistant/paralegal. She really knows all the ins-and-outs of the industry. She holds an AAS-Paralegal from Nassau Community College, plus quite a few other credits through NCC. Marianna enjoys and continues her education when the opportunity arises by taking various CLEs and other continuing education courses.

Marianna joined the McGrath Law Firm team in June 2005 as an assistant to Attorney Peter G. McGrath. Over the years, this role has grown to include working closely with most of the attorneys in the office and overseeing the company billing. Marianna also assists on other McGrath business ventures in New Hampshire. Marianna is a New Hampshire notary public and also holds her inactive New Hampshire real estate license.

Moreover, Marianna’s skills and 20+ years of legal industry experience make her someone you want assisting on your case. Marianna’s experience in the field, past and present, includes the areas of bankruptcy, civil litigation, corporate documents and formations, and real estate matters. Marianna has also been assisting with the marketing, press releases, blogs and social media, etc. She looks forward to learning more about this aspect of the business.

In conclusion, one reason you want Marianna in your corner is that she attends conferences and continually stays up to date and enjoys learning about industry trends. Marianna is also more than just what her job title suggests. She contributes to keeping the office working at maximum efficiency; mentors her peers and provides support to all attorneys in the office.

Contact us!

The legal team members at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging legal matter to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. From civil litigation, personal injury, Collaborative Law, Family Law, foreclosure prevention, criminal defense, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of Family Law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111.

DIY Legal Matters – Not Always the Best Answer

April 6, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

DIY legal matters are not always the best answer.

Depending on the issue at hand, legal problems can cost you a lot of time and a lot of money. Almost everyone has other responsibilities in their lives, whether it’s a job, children, school, appointments, or all of the above, and of course fitting sleep in there somewhere. Life is hectic. When it comes to tackling a legal battle on your own, you may want to reconsider. It can be a full-time job, in and of itself; between getting together and responding to all of the correct paperwork and documents needed, keeping track of court hearings and deadlines, etc….The list is endless and not to mention totally confusing. That is where attorneys come in. They are the experts and professionals and are always there to guide you in the right direction. There are plenty of reasons to seek out an attorney, no matter what your legal situation may be.

They are familiar with the laws and court proceedings.

Let’s face it, legal documents can be confusing and downright intimidating. Why not leave your legal matters up to the professionals, who went through years of college and law school for exactly this reason? They will know what paperwork needs to be filed and when, which motions to object to, what to write in a response to the opposing party, legal research and preparation of legal documents, and keeping track of important dates such as scheduled hearings and deadlines. This is just to name few. There is a lot more to dealing with a legal matter than you may realize, and it would be extremely beneficial to have an attorney by your side rather than DIY.

Despite what you might think, hiring an attorney may actually save you money in the long run.

Depending on the situation and the matter at hand, having a good attorney on your side could just end up saving you money and assets when all is said and done.

Take for example a divorce and trying to divide up property and finances. As in many legal matters, there are numerous documents you must submit to the court and the opposing party. If you have a good attorney representing you, they will make sure those mandated documents are as accurate and complete as possible. This can play a huge role in the outcome of your case and results you wish to achieve.

If your case is a criminal matter, an attorney can help keep you from doing jail time, or at least minimize the sentence than you may have originally received. The legal fees of a great criminal attorney are worth every penny, especially when it’s regarding your life and your future.

They have the experience and have most likely worked on a case similar to yours.

Attorneys deal with all types of issues on a daily basis. There are some attorneys who specialize in certain areas such as Criminal Law or Family Law, but for the most part, attorneys handle a variety of cases throughout their careers. They will most likely be familiar with your situation and be able to provide the best possible advice and support necessary on your legal matters.

If you’re still not sure:

If your concerned about a legal matter, but hesitant to hire an attorney, consider at least scheduling an hour long consultation to sit down and speak with someone one on one. They can go over your case and help direct you in the right direction. Remember, you get what you pay for. Be wary about attorneys that offer free consultations. The money you spend for that hour long consultation will definitely be worth it. It is highly recommended if you are facing a legal matter, to contact an attorney. It could be one of the best decisions you’ve ever made.

The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, pre-nuptial agreements, annulments, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111.

Collaborative Law: Compromise, a Powerful Virtue to Cultivate in Divorce

April 5, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

Collaborative Law

Compromise, a Powerful Virtue to Cultivate in Divorce.

Yes, Compromise. You have it in you. Unleash it. The aggressive will be confounded and the meek will breathe a sigh of relief. And both will be compelled to follow suit. In the end you and your spouse will likely each have more of what you really wanted than a court could hope to give. I say “really” because compromise weeds out what isn’t important enough to keep fighting for, and hones your priorities so that you can hit upon and embrace unexpected solutions. In the process you will come to know yourself much better, so much better. When you walk away from the settled dispute you should feel newly in control of yourself and your goals, relieved of what most bogged you down, and free to focus on the fresh path ahead. Collaborative Law. Look into it. You owe it to yourself and the powerful real you.

The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. From Collaborative Law, spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, prenuptial agreements, annulments, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111.

Meet The Legal Team Tuesdays – Receptionist

April 4, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

Meet the Legal Team Tuesday’s!

Welcome back to meet the legal team Tuesdays! In last week’s blog, we discussed the importance of the role of the paralegal. This week we will spotlight the receptionist and the impact they have on the everyday workings of a law firm.

Our Director of First Impressions

This week’s team member is also our newest staff member, our Director of First Impressions, our receptionist, Lindsay.

What most people do not realize is that a receptionist does much more than just greet people and answer the phones. Our Director of First Impressions is the person that every client or visitor that calls or walks through the front door, will have initial contact with. It is crucial that this person is pleasant, friendly, and helpful. This will form a long-lasting impression on all clients and guests. We want all our clients to feel welcome!

A receptionist’s duties vary depending on the business or law firm. Receptionists can receive client payments and write receipts, check the mail and accept deliveries, return phone calls, and schedule appointments. A lot of times they will help with other responsibilities around the office, such as keeping things clean and organized, stocking office supplies, making copies of documents and paperwork, and in any downtime, offering to see if there are other things he/she can help with.

A receptionist plays an important role as the Director of First Impressions by keeping the law firm operating smoothly and most importantly, providing excellent service to all clients and visitors.

A Little Bit About Lindsay:

Lindsay is originally from Florida. She moved to New Hampshire her senior year of high school. She has lived here ever since and has come to love the Northeast, especially the change of seasons and the beautiful mountain views. Lindsay has a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is currently enrolled in the Franklin Pierce Paralegal Program.

She tries to stay active year round and enjoys snowboarding, playing tennis, target shooting, and anything that involves being out on the water. She has a huge place in her heart for animals and volunteers at a local shelter. She lives in the Peterborough area with her boyfriend Scott, and rescue cat Sullivan.

Lindsay has a fun and unique role here at McGrath Law Firm. She is not only the receptionist, but also a legal assistant. She feels that both roles are educational and challenging in their own ways. She is excited to be able to apply her education and past experience to her current position, and is looking forward to continuing to learn and grow with the firm.

Contact us!

With law offices in South Carolina and New Hampshire, Mcgrath Law Firm, founded by Attorney Peter G. McGrath, concentrates his practice in the areas of complex injury law, medical malpractice, business law, environmental law, real estate law, and general litigation matters. Attorney McGrath combines a unique and expansive background of litigation experience, both from the prosecutorial side and from the private sector. As a federal prosecutor with the United States Department of Justice, Attorney McGrath was the lead prosecutor for the government in several major federal cases, including several in New Hampshire. Attorney McGrath is the founding member of the McGrath Law Firm and can be reached at (603) 224-7111.

Prenuptial Agreements: Something to Consider?

March 30, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

Prenuptial Agreements: Something to Consider?

Your boyfriend just took you to your favorite restaurant, got down on one knee and proposed! And of course you said yes! You have dreamed of this day since you were a little girl and all of sudden, your mind starts racing and you begin to imagine what your dream wedding is going to look like. You’ve probably thought about it a hundred times before, but now it’s actually happening. You need to figure out the style dress you want, the venue, the cake and flowers, whether it’s going to be a big wedding or an intimate one, and of course, choosing a honeymoon destination. There are so many things to think about after you’ve decided to take that next step with the love of your life, and it can seem overwhelming, whether you are the bride or the groom. Certainly, your mind is not on prenuptial agreements, and how you can protect yourself in the event the relationship fails.

You’ve most likely started a to-do list of things that need to be accomplished before your big day. On that list are probably a few items that are not so fun, but still need to get done; one of which is deciding whether or not to get a Prenuptial Agreements (or prenups for short). Though it has been known to cause some controversy between couples, and it’s probably the last thing you want to think about while planning your wedding, it is a very important decision that can have a huge impact on your future. Here are some things to consider before deciding if a prenup is right for you.

Prenuptial Agreements are not just for the rich.

This is important to remember when considering a prenup. Prenuptial Agreements are not just about dividing up assets, but also about debts. An agreement such as this can help protect you and your partner from any debt either one of you might be bringing into the marriage.

Prenuptial Agreements can help keep certain property in your birth family.

This can include any heirlooms that are important to you and your family, future inheritances, and even a share in the family business.

If you have children from a previous relationship, prenups allow you to specify and make sure they receive a reasonable portion of your property and/or assets in the case of a divorce or death.

Prenuptial Agreements and divide up responsibilities in the relationship early

Dividing up responsibilities as part of your prenup might be worthwhile to consider. Now that you’re tying the knot, you need to think about whether you are going to have joint or separate bank accounts, file your tax returns together, who is going to be responsible for paying the bills, etc.… Discussing with your partner and preparing for these responsibilities early on, may just save you from future arguments.

Don’t let the court decide

The bottom line is don’t let the court decide how your property and assets are divided up if a marriage fails or a spouse passes away. You never know what the future holds, and having a Prenuptial Agreement on file will clarify exactly how you would like your property and assets distributed, just in case something happens. It is a lot to think about, but it’s definitely worth seeking legal advice prior to making your vows.

Contact McGrath Law Firm to learn your rights!

The seasoned family law and divorce lawyers at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step of the challenging divorce process to address your concerns and achieve your goals as efficiently as possible. From spousal support, child support, fault, and equitable division of property and debt to valuations, prenuptial agreements, annulments, and restraining orders, the experienced attorneys at McGrath Law Firm have a successful track record in all aspects of divorce law. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111

NECC President Found Guilty of Racketeering

March 29, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

The NECC President was found Guilty of Racketeering. Barry Cadden, the president and co-founder of the now-defunct New England Compounding Center (NECC), was found guilty of racketeering, conspiracy and fraud for his involvement in the 2012 nationwide fungal meningitis outbreak. The outbreak killed more than 60 people and sickened hundreds. It was the largest public health crises in the U.S. ever caused by a pharmaceutical drug.

McGrath Law Firm Represented More than 50 of the NECC Victims

Attorney Peter G. McGrath of McGrath Law Firm represented more than 50 of the victims nationwide and sued NECC in 2012 for distributing steroid medications tainted with bacteria.

McGrath said victims and their families have mixed emotions about the verdict. “Many of my clients thought Cadden should have been convicted for attempted murder,” McGrath said. “But at the same time many are relieved that the case had finally been heard and are hoping it will bring closure to such a devastating chapter in their lives. Let’s hope the sentencing in June will be just.”

McGrath Law Firm was the first law firm in the nation to file to attach Mr. Cadden’s homes on Martha’s Vineyard off the coast of Massachusetts.

McGrath Law Firm has unique litigation experience with infectious disease matters. Attorney McGrath, a former federal prosecutor and founder of McGrath Law Firm, was lead counsel in the nationwide Hepatitis outbreak in New England in 2010. The firm also represented 30 clients in the recent Hepatitis B outbreak in North Charleston, South Carolina.

Meet the Legal Team Tuesdays!

March 28, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

We would like you to meet the legal team of McGrath Law Firm NH! We will be running a series on Tuesdays called Meet the Legal Team Tuesdays and highlight one of the team members on our Facebook page. (Pictured top left clockwise, Marianna, Darlene, Leeann and Lindsay.)

Most everyone has an idea of what the job of an attorney entails within the law office, but do not know what the non-attorney roles are inside the day-to-day operations. There are often many roles within a law firm ranging from our receptionist, also known as or our director of first impressions, to legal assistants/paralegals, the billing and bookkeeping department, and the office administrator. Every employee plays a vital role in making sure the law firm functions and operates smoothly.

What is the role of a paralegal within a law office?

The role of a paralegal within a law office can vary. In short, a paralegal (or legal assistant, which you’ll see used interchangeably) contributes to keeping the office working at maximum efficiency.

A skilled paralegal can actually do quite a bit within the law office, but must be under the supervision of an attorney. There are however, some restrictions within the job of a paralegal. For example, a paralegal cannot go to court on behalf of a client, cannot offer legal advice, and cannot set fees. Though there are these limitations, there is plenty of other work a paralegal can do, to not only help the attorney, but can save the client money as well. A paralegal can conduct legal research, prepare documents and pleadings, schedule appointments, call clients on behalf of the attorney, handle closings, and perform many other duties within the office.

Each law office and attorney within that office, has different expectations for the work paralegals are responsible for. It is up to the attorney to delegate that work, supervise the paralegal, and oversee the file at all times. It is critical that the attorney in charge of the file has trust in the paralegal. The attorney/paralegal relationship is essential in making sure each case is handled as efficiently and effectively as possible.

What do the McGrath Legal Team paralegals have to offer?

Team McGrath paralegals offer a great deal of experience and stem from a variety of backgrounds. Over the coming weeks we will give you the opportunity to get to know a little bit about the paralegals and staff within our office.

Team McGrath paralegals are encouraged to attend continuing education classes involving law and technology to keep up with industry trends. Team McGrath paralegals are also encouraged to contribute their thoughts and perspectives on cases to assist the attorney with their zealous representation of the client.

The majority of the paralegals at McGrath Law Firm have 15-20+ years of experience in the legal industry and are happy to speak with you concerning your legal needs and schedule you to see an attorney.

The seasoned attorneys at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by Attorney Peter McGrath, with locations in both New Hampshire and South Carolina, will walk you through every step and address your concerns to achieve your goals as efficiently as possible and protect your legal rights. McGrath Law Firm has a successful track record in all aspects of law, including, but not limited to, personal injury, estate planning, business counseling and collections, criminal matters, real estate, civil litigation, etc. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111.

McGrath is Now a Member of America’s Top 100 Attorneys

March 17, 2017 By Marianna Barbowski

Attorney Peter G. McGrath was just honored with membership in America’s Top 100 Attorneys. Attorney McGrath is a native of Bristol, New Hampshire and has offices in Concord, New Hampshire and Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

If you are not familiar with America’s Top 100 LLCs, it is the mission of America’s Top 100 LLCs to recognize annually and on a lifetime basis the most qualified and accomplished professionals. Membership is after a multiphase selection process including third-party research and statistical analysis of a candidate’s professional experience, achievements, significant results, community impact, peer reputation, consumer satisfaction, and other proprietary factors specific to each profession.

Membership in the America’s Top 100 Attorneys category is limited to the top 100 attorneys from each state in each category of practice who best exhibit excellence and the highest ethical standards in their respective professions. In addition, with these high standards, less than 1% of attorneys in the United States will be selected for membership as one of the America’s Top 100 Attorneys. Membership selection is intended to help the community identify the cream of the crop in each profession and assist with professional networking among the Nation’s top professionals.

In addition to his membership in America’s Top 100 Attorneys, Attorney McGrath is a former federal prosecutor and has practices in Concord New Hampshire and Charleston, South Carolina.

The seasoned attorneys at the McGrath Law Firm, founded by Attorney Peter McGrath, will walk you through every step and address your concerns to achieve your goals as efficiently as possible and protect your legal rights. McGrath Law Firm has a successful track record in all aspects of law, including, but not limited to, personal injury, estate planning, business counseling and collections, criminal matters, real estate, civil litigation, etc. Call us to schedule your consultation at (603) 224-7111.

Can I Get a Divorce When My Spouse Can’t Be Found?

December 21, 2016 By Marianna Barbowski

What if my spouse has left for parts unknown, and I want a divorce? Does the other spouse need to be present before I can go through the divorce process? Your family law attorney will reassure you that you have the right to a get a divorce in the absence of your partner. The missing spouse need not be present if you can demonstrate that you made a thorough, good faith effort to find the missing person.

Courts prefer not to grant a one-sided divorce when one spouse doesn’t know about it, and it will require certain efforts from you.. You will need to submit to the court a sworn “Affidavit of Diligent Search,” which details the honest efforts you have made to locate your missing spouse. Once your affidavit is accepted, you can obtain a legal divorce through a process called “divorce by publication.” This means exactly what it says: to be legally divorced, you will need to publish a legal notice of the divorce in the local newspaper.

What constitutes a “diligent,” good faith search effort? You or your hired investigator must use all the available channels to locate your spouse:

Check telephone directories and directory assistance where he or she live or is known to have lived
Ask the post office for any forwarding address for the missing spouse
Ask friends or relatives who may know of the person’s whereabouts
Conduct an internet search
Ask if law enforcement can help locate the person

If your due diligence is unsuccessful, and you cannot find your missing partner, you submit your Affidavit of Diligent Search to prove to the court that he or she absolutely cannot be found. If the court is satisfied with your affidavit, it will permit you to publish a legal notice in the local newspaper as a summons or method of serving your spouse. The notice will contain the title of your case, the court in which it is pending, the time and place of the hearing, and the fact that your original petition is file and may be examined by interested parties, and any other facts the court may order. Following the publication, you will be able to get your legal divorce.

Common Law Marriage and Divorce

December 19, 2016 By Marianna Barbowski

A whole mythology has grown up around the words “common law marriage.” Many people believe that if you live with someone for seven years, even though you did not legally marry, you are automatically a partner in a common law marriage, and are legally entitled to the same rights as those enjoyed by a married spouse. Living together for any amount of time does not constitute common law marriage in any state in the U.S.

Another myth: If the couple separates, property will be divided as in a divorce. Not true. When a couple stops living together in a shared home, the homeowner with title to the property keeps it, period. If you and your common-law spouse decide to buy a house, you need to be sure both your names are on the deed as co-purchasers, if both spouses wish to benefit fairly after separation.

Don’t believe the myth that if your common-law spouse dies or becomes disabled, you as the surviving spouse will inherit his or her assets. Your common-law spouse’s family will have the right to exclude you from medical decision-making or inheriting property. Rights to a family residence and family assets are granted to legally married couples only.

The accepted definition of common law marriage goes far beyond simple cohabitation. It is a relationship in which the couple lives together for a certain period of time (one year in most states), present themselves as a married couple (e.g., adopt the same last name), intend to marry legally, and file a joint tax return. If spouses who are married by common law decide to end the partnership, they will require a legal divorce.

The concept of common law marriage originated in the Middle Ages, when travel was difficult, and priests or justices could not always be present to perform marriages in rural areas. Today, that is no longer a valid reason, and many states no longer recognize common law marriages. The states that do recognize common law marriage may place restrictions, such as reserving the recognition of such a marriage for inheritance purposes only.

If you want your relationship with a partner you are living with to be officially recognized, you will need to comply with the laws in the state where you reside. In common law states, your relationship is treated like any other marriage, and states with no common-law marriages are constitutionally required (under the “full faith and credit” rule) to recognize a marriage that is valid under another state’s laws.

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